APC Warns Aggrieved Anambra Guber Aspirants

By Adedayo Akinwale

The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has called on the aggrieved Anambra State governorship aspirants to approach the appeal committee set up by the party, instead of bringing disrepute to APC in public space.

The National Secretary of the Caretaker/Extraordinary Convention Planning Committee of the party, Sen. John Akpanudoedehe, stated this on Friday in Abuja during the inauguration of an appeal committee to hear complaints arising from the recent APC governorship primary in the Anambra state.

The committee had actually started working before it was officially inaugurated.

The secretary said the membership of the Committee was carefully selected and comprised persons of character and integrity so that those dissatisfied with the processes thus far, can approach the committee in confidence that they will get justice.

Akpanudoedehe stressed that the constitution of the party, and the party guidelines for the nominations would be the reference instruments for the Committee.

He said, “May I use this opportunity to call on all those who are directly concerned with the just concluded primaries to approach this Committee to ventilate their dissatisfaction if any, instead of bringing the party into disrepute in the public space.”

However, despite the recent defections of some governors, lawmakers and other political stalwarts to the ruling APC, the Governor of Gombe State, Inuwa Yahaya, has said that Nigeria can never become a one party state.

He said considering the fact that the country runs a multi-party system, a one party state will never arise.

The governor said people were joining APC because it’s solid, more on ground and more transparent.

He stated: “A party that is in control necessarily has to attract people that are ready to give their support and they are coming because they realise that APC is more solid, more on ground and really more transparent and open in terms of how it deals with everybody; the high and the low. That is why they are coming, so we welcome them and anybody that says no have to have a rethink because party is about people and all politicians are invited and welcome to any party that they think belongs to the right track. That is what APC is.”

Asked if the country was going towards one party system, the governor added, “No! As at the last count, INEC, and mind you, the process of registration is there free for all. Anybody could go to register a party provided he meets the constitutional provisions and the regulatory requirements of INEC. There are parties and there will still be more parties. So, why one party? I think that will never arise. Not in Nigeria.”

On the assignment given to the committee, Yahaya stressed that the committee had already gotten petitions from the aspirants.

According to him, “We shall trash them and find solution to all claims or observations made by the contestants. Five petitions are with us right now and we are given time within which we shall conclude with them.”

Other members of the committee are: Sen. Julius Ucha, Hajia Maryam Salifu, Alh. Bukar Dalori and Dr. Ijeoma Arodiogbu as the Secretary.